A grateful community thanks Samaritan’s Purse

Volunteers have been here since deadly 2011 tornado

The Moore family eats dinner with members of Samaritan’s Purse at First Baptist Church on Thursday. The family’s home in Alberta was severely damaged by the April 27, 2011, tornado. Members of Samaritan’s Purse helped rebuild their home.

Michelle Lepianka Carter | The Tuscaloosa News

By Victoria BlissettSpecial to The Tuscaloosa News

Published: Friday, June 21, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 11:16 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | Next week, 32 families who lost their homes in the April 27, 2011, tornado will honor the volunteers who helped rebuild or repair their houses.

A “Thank You and Farewell Celebration” recognizing Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief will be held at 6 p.m. June 26 in the main sanctuary of First Baptist Church, 721 Greensboro Ave.

Samaritan’s Purse volunteers maintained a consistent presence in Tuscaloosa, arriving two days after the EF4 tornado destroyed 12 percent of the city, killing at least 53 people and injuring scores more.

“The people of Samaritan’s Purse have been the greatest blessing,” said the Rev. Gil McKee, First Baptist Church’s senior pastor. “They have not only become part of the community, but part of our family, too. We are proud to host this service, and we look forward to properly thanking each and every person who has volunteered and contributed in some way.”

First Baptist provided lodging and meal space for the group’s volunteers, as well as office space and logistical support for the group’s leaders, who relocated to Tuscaloosa for the Rebuild Tuscaloosa project. Samaritan’s Purse will end its Rebuild Tuscaloosa operation in mid-July.

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational Christian organization of volunteers from around the world, dedicated to providing aid to victims of tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes and other natural disasters in the United States.

More than 9,000 of the group’s volunteers helped with cleanup and relief efforts in Tuscaloosa in the months after the tornado.

In July 2011, Samaritan’s Purse shifted into rebuilding mode, with nearly 1,000 volunteers helping rebuild or repair 32 homes lost or damaged in the storm.

Dan Burton, Samaritan’s Purse project manager, and volunteers Erinn Ford, Tony Clark, Doug Konetchy, Michael and Gianna Todd and Jay and Jean Chestnutt have all been in Tuscaloosa since 2011.

Burton said his experience with the Tuscaloosa community has been unlike any other. He said he is especially grateful to First Baptist Church, which has provided housing for him and his entire team over the past two years.

“You know, no matter where we go next, this will always be the most incredible place we have been,” Burton said. “The accommodations, the kitchen, the support of the staff, the homes First Baptist has furnished, and the most welcome we have ever felt anywhere we have been. People are so nice here. I think we would all choose to stay here or retire here.”

The June 26 event, which is free and open to the public, will also feature a proclamation from Mayor Walt Maddox, University of Alabama President Judy Bonner and music by former Miss Alabama Shannon Camper. Former University of Alabama football player Carson Tinker, whose girlfriend died in the 2011 tornado, will be the guest speaker.

<p>TUSCALOOSA | Next week, 32 families who lost their homes in the April 27, 2011, tornado will honor the volunteers who helped rebuild or repair their houses.</p><p>A “Thank You and Farewell Celebration” recognizing Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief will be held at 6 p.m. June 26 in the main sanctuary of First Baptist Church, 721 Greensboro Ave. </p><p>Samaritan's Purse volunteers maintained a consistent presence in Tuscaloosa, arriving two days after the EF4 tornado destroyed 12 percent of the city, killing at least 53 people and injuring scores more. </p><p>“The people of Samaritan's Purse have been the greatest blessing,” said the Rev. Gil McKee, First Baptist Church's senior pastor. “They have not only become part of the community, but part of our family, too. We are proud to host this service, and we look forward to properly thanking each and every person who has volunteered and contributed in some way.”</p><p>First Baptist provided lodging and meal space for the group's volunteers, as well as office space and logistical support for the group's leaders, who relocated to Tuscaloosa for the Rebuild Tuscaloosa project. Samaritan's Purse will end its Rebuild Tuscaloosa operation in mid-July.</p><p>Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational Christian organization of volunteers from around the world, dedicated to providing aid to victims of tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes and other natural disasters in the United States.</p><p>More than 9,000 of the group's volunteers helped with cleanup and relief efforts in Tuscaloosa in the months after the tornado.</p><p>In July 2011, Samaritan's Purse shifted into rebuilding mode, with nearly 1,000 volunteers helping rebuild or repair 32 homes lost or damaged in the storm.</p><p>Dan Burton, Samaritan's Purse project manager, and volunteers Erinn Ford, Tony Clark, Doug Konetchy, Michael and Gianna Todd and Jay and Jean Chestnutt have all been in Tuscaloosa since 2011. </p><p>Burton said his experience with the Tuscaloosa community has been unlike any other. He said he is especially grateful to First Baptist Church, which has provided housing for him and his entire team over the past two years. </p><p>“You know, no matter where we go next, this will always be the most incredible place we have been,” Burton said. “The accommodations, the kitchen, the support of the staff, the homes First Baptist has furnished, and the most welcome we have ever felt anywhere we have been. People are so nice here. I think we would all choose to stay here or retire here.”</p><p>The June 26 event, which is free and open to the public, will also feature a proclamation from Mayor Walt Maddox, University of Alabama President Judy Bonner and music by former Miss Alabama Shannon Camper. Former University of Alabama football player Carson Tinker, whose girlfriend died in the 2011 tornado, will be the guest speaker.</p>